Lula reiterates promise to create public security ministry, contingent on Senate approval

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has formally included the creation of a Ministry of Public Security in his government's platform for the upcoming election, a promise he made in previous campaigns but did not fulfill. However, the establishment of this new ministry is contingent upon the Senate's approval of a constitutional amendment proposal (PEC) focused on public security, which has been stalled.

Lula's government submitted its platform to the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) on Friday, alongside his candidacy registration. In the 2022 election, Lula had also promised a dedicated ministry for public security, which would oversee police forces. Despite this, he opted against it when forming his cabinet, with Justice Minister Flávio Dino and other allies opposing the separation.

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If the PEC is approved, 15 days later I will create the Ministry of Public Security.

In late 2025 and again in May of this year, Lula reiterated his commitment to creating the ministry, provided the PEC is passed. He urged Senate President Davi Alcolumbre to bring the matter to a vote. The PEC, approved by the Chamber of Deputies in March, aims to fund public security initiatives through revenue from sports betting and portions of the pre-salt oil fund.

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Once the Public Security PEC proposed by the Executive is approved, we will create the Ministry of Public Security to coordinate, in articulation with states and municipalities, the execution of national public security policies within the Unified Public Security System.

Despite passing the lower house, the PEC has seen no progress in the Senate. Lula recently met with Alcolumbre to unblock government measures, but the PEC is not expected to be debated by senators until after the October elections. Public security remains a key concern for voters, influencing Lula's main opponent, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, to select a vice-presidential candidate with a background in the area.

Lula's platform states that the new ministry would coordinate national public security policies within the Unified Public Security System, fostering integration among federal entities, enhancing intelligence, combating organized crime, preventing violence, and protecting civil rights. The document advocates for the PEC, arguing that constitutional and legal reforms are essential to overcome the current fragmented system.

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The ministry will strengthen the integration between federal entities, state intelligence, the fight against organized crime, violence prevention, and the protection of civil rights.